Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

For those nights when you can’t decide between pizza or pasta, we’ve got you covered! Pizza Spaghetti Casserole wins the top spot for the easiest dinner that satisfies two cravings in one. This casserole is always a hit with the whole family. (Well, how could it not be? Two Italian favorites in one casserole dish.) Spaghetti is layered with spicy Italian sausage, mushrooms, and pasta sauce, and then topped with a hearty helping of cheese and some sliced pepperoni. (Don’t be afraid to load up that pepperoni! It gives it lots of pizza flavor.) As the whole thing bakes, the flavors simmer together, and when it emerges, you have an irresistible spaghetti bake topped with melty, gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni. This is a mashup that totally works, and we don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for those indecisive nights. Not only does it combine the best of pizza and pasta, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With its gooey, cheesy topping and robust flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies with the mushrooms!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 3-quart casserole dish
• Large pot
• Large pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 24 oz pasta sauce
• 12 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 2 cups Italian cheese blend, grated
• 3/4 pound ground Italian sausage
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and place the spaghetti in the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, then add the sausage. Stir until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and arrange it over the spaghetti.
4. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Top the spaghetti and sausage with the pasta sauce, mushrooms, cheeses, and pepperoni.
6. Bake until bubbly and the cheese has melted, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Spaghetti Casserole!

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente since it will continue to cook while baking. Don’t skimp on the cheese and pepperoni—they add that classic pizza taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of sausage and mushrooms to your liking.

Additional Tips and Variations

Consider adding your favorite pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or onions. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you’re a fan of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact nutritional information will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used, this dish is a hearty source of protein and rich in calcium from the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing. To reheat, thaw completely and bake until heated through.

What other pasta can I use? While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with penne or rigatoni for a different texture.

Conclusion

This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect blend of two beloved dishes, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so feel free to share your experiences and any variations you tried. Happy cooking!